The true complete serial number of the Citori can only be found underneath of the TOP LEVER. All other numbers represent production sequence only and are used by the factory to denote what barrel set is paired with an individual receiver. See figure 1-A to locate the top lever on your firearm.

Figure 1-A

Reading Your Serial Number

Below use the chart to determine the manufacture year of your Citori.

Historic Information

Serial Number Info

1973-75

In 1969 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture which was followed by on of the following codes:

H=12 ga.
N=20ga.

Later the code was changed to J=both gauges

This was then followed by the serial number beginning with 00001.

Example: 00001H37 = A 1973 Citori 12 ga. shotgun with a serial number of 00001.

H=12 ga.
N=20 ga.
Later the code was changed to J=both gauges

1976-1997

In 1975 Browning standardized its serial number identification which it follows to the present day.

Production Sequence Number beginning with 01001 at the start of each year.

This would be a Citori Shotgun, manufactured in 1999 with the serial number 01001.

Using the above chart you should now be able to distinguish if your Citori is Pre Type 1, Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3.

Pre Type 1 - Manufactured from 1973 - 1976

Sorry, wood and/or mechanical parts are no longer available for this production era of the Citori.

Type 1 - Manufactured only in 1977

Wood is still available, but in very limited quantities. All mechanical parts are obsolete.

Type 2 - Manufactured from 1978 through 1982

Mechanical parts are still available and are the same as those used in the present manufactured Citori. The wood for this gun is still available, but in very limited quantities.

Type 3 - Manufactured from 1983 - Present

Mechanical parts and wood are still in great supply. "Long Tang" butt stock production has ceased and the supply of these stocks are dwindling rapidly.

Determining Tang Style

The Citori has been manufactured with 3 "Tang Styles"

Straight Tang

Long Tang

Short Tang

Use Figure 1-B to determine the "Tang Style" of your Citori.

Figure 1-B

Determining "Forearm Bracket" Type

Two "Forearm Bracket" types have been used in the production of Citori's.

Short Field/Sporter 2 Hole Bracket

Long Target 3 Hole Bracket

Use Figure 1-C to determine what "Forearm Bracket" your Citori uses. Starting in 1994 and continuing through the present all Citori shotguns have been manufactured with the "Short 2 Hole Bracket".

Figure 1-C

Thank you very much for taking the time to review the above information. If you are in need of more assistance or you have found the above information a useful shopping tool please contact us at support@midwestgunworks.com